Rahul Gandhi’s flawed rhetoric on India-US trade deal

Minhaz Merchant
Feb 13, 2026 | 22:56 IST
Image: AI

As Washington recalibrates its language on the interim India-US trade deal, the $500 billion trade target has sparked sharp political debate at home. While Rahul Gandhi calls it a “surrender,” exporters and trade officials argue the numbers are achievable — and that steady diplomacy, not theatrics, will define the outcome


United States President Donald Trump uses tactical coercion to extract concessions from trading partners but will compromise when met with unblinking firmness.

The White House revealed that trait when it edited its earlier fact sheet on the interim India-US trade deal within 24 hours, accepting India’s concerns on pulses, digital technology and agriculture. It also changed the wording from “committed” to “intend” in a critical clause on India buying US goods and services valued at $500 billion.
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